Depolarization Current Measurements Research Articles

Microwave dielectric properties of Al-doped Ba4(Sm,Nd)9.33Ti18O54 ceramics added with TiO2 and sintered in oxygen

TiO2-added Ba4(Sm0.65Nd0.35)9.33Ti17.75Al0.33O54 (BSNTA) ceramics were fabricated with a solid-state reaction method. Slight TiO2 addition increased the dielectric constant (εr) of BSNTA ceramics and brought about a near-zero temperature coefficient of resonant frequency (τf). Sintering in oxygen increased the density of TiO2-added BSNTA ceramics and surprisingly concurrently improved the εr and Q × f value. Thermally stimulated depolarization current (TSDC) measurements indicated that TiO2 addition introduced oxygen vacancies (VO..) and TiTi'−VO.. defect dipoles and that an oxygen-sufficient sintering atmosphere decreased the concentration of these defects and thus increased Q × f values. From the viewpoint of defect behaviors, this observation offered original insight into the mechanism by which the sintering atmosphere had impacts on the Q × f value of titanate ceramics. Satisfying dielectric properties (εr = 79.5, Q × f = 14,840 GHz, τf = 0 ppm/°C) were attained in oxygen-sintered BSNTA-0.6%TiO2 ceramics that might be suitable for the manufacture of miniature microwave devices such as filters and antennas.

Depolarization Current Prediction of Transformers OPI System Affected From Detrapped Charge Using LSTM

The depolarization current is critical for the computation of insulation-sensitive parameters of the transformer. Prolonged polarization–depolarization current (PDC) measurement times, on the other hand, can increase the likelihood of obtaining distorted original data as a result of environmental factors and electromagnetic noise. Therefore, techniques for measuring PDC data over a short period of time, such as forecasting depolarization current, are required. Additionally, unlike polarization current, which is easily predictable, depolarization current is affected by charging duration and detrapping current. Consequently, an extremely accurate prediction method is required. This paper proposes a multivariate recurrent neural network model based on long short-term memory (LSTM) network for depolarization current prediction using only polarization data. It reduces measurement time and treats the model with time-varying parameters (MTVP) elements as features. Therefore, the influence of the detrapped charge effect while forecasting depolarization current is also considered. The performance of LSTM is compared to that of Linear, Multi-dense, and 1D-Conv (one-dimensional convolutional neural network) to determine the optimum model for forecasting depolarization current. Thereafter, a permutation-based explainability method is used in python to describe model behavior by assessing the variable importance through drop-out loss. The presented results demonstrate that forecasting with the LSTM model produces the lowest mean absolute error and maintains prediction consistency throughout the testing period.

Dielectric analysis of degraded stator bars of a hydro generator

This paper presents the investigation of dielectric analysis of degraded stator bars by Polarization and Depolarization Current (PDC) measurement. The stator bars obtained from the 30-year in-service synchronous machine were divided into two groups. The first group was the unmodified stator bars. The second group was the simulated degradation stator bars which were composed of the thermal stress stator bars, conductive tap abrasion stator bars, multiple air cavity stator bars, multiple oil filled stator bars and multiple water filled stator bars. PDC test experiment was performed with the stator bar samples. PDC test results were analyzed in time domain and in frequency domain with the derived parameters i.e. Rdc, real and imaginary part of complex capacitance, C ratio, conduction loss factor and polarization loss factor. It was found that PDC shapes obtained from the conductive tape abrasion stator bar and multiple water filled cavity stator bar were clearly different from that of the unmodified stator bar. For other case studies, the derived parameters showed the usefulness in analysis the degraded stator bar characteristics. For example, the increase in the imaginary capacitance and conduction loss factor can be observed from most cases of degraded stator bar test results.

Combining good dispersion with tailored charge trapping in nanodielectrics by hybrid functionalization of silica

Abstract Fumed silica-filled polypropylene (PP)-based nanodielectrics were studied in this work. To not only improve the dispersion of the silica but also introduce deep charge traps into the polymeric matrix, five types of modified silicas were manufactured with different surface modifications. The modified silica surfaces comprise an inner and a surface layer. The inner layer contains a polar urethane group for tailoring the charge trap properties of the PP/propylene–ethylene copolymer nanocomposites, whereas the surface layer consists of hydrocarbons (ethyl-, tert-butyl-, cyclopentyl-, phenyl-, or naphthalenyl moieties) in order to gain a good dispersion of the silica in the unpolar polymer blend. Scanning electron microscopic pictures proved that these tailored silicas show a much better dispersion than the unmodified one. Thermally stimulated depolarization current measurements revealed the ability of the silica to introduce deep charge traps with low trap density. The trap depth distribution depends on the type of the unpolar surface layer consisting of the different hydrocarbons. Among these five differently modified silicas, the introduction of the one with a surface layer consisting of tert-butyl moieties resulted in the lowest charge injection and the lowest charge current in the nanocomposite, proving good dielectric performance. Additionally, this silica exhibits good dispersion in the polymeric matrix, indicating a promising performance for nanodielectric application.

Thermally-stimulated defect relaxations and microwave/terahertz dielectric response of La,Al co-doped (Ba,Sr)La4Ti4O15 ceramics

The thermally-stimulated relaxation of defects in La,Al co-substituted (Ba,Sr)La4Ti4O15 dielectric ceramics with hexagonal perovskite structure were investigated systematically with the thermally stimulated depolarization current (TSDC) measurements. The ion substitution decreased the lattice parameters and the bond lengths of the cations and O2−. TSDC spectra indicated the main extrinsic defects in the ceramics were oxygen vacancies and the concentration of oxygen vacancies decreased with the increasing ion substitutions, which was derived from the decrease in the lattice parameters. The terahertz time-domain spectra indicated the damping factor of lattice vibration was reduced with the decline of the concentration of oxygen vacancies, which decreased the microwave/terahertz dielectric loss. High-performance (Ba0.2Sr0.8)0.75La4.25Ti3.75Al0.25O15 (εr = 43.9, Q × f = 84300 GHz, τf = -18.0 ppm/°C) ceramics were obtained. The correlations between crystal structures, defect behaviors and dielectric properties discussed in this work could provide guidance for the modification of microwave dielectric ceramics.

Thermally stimulated depolarization current measurements on degraded lead zirconate titanate films

AbstractCharge transport mechanisms governing DC resistance degradation in ferroelectric films are influenced by defects, particularly oxygen vacancies. This paper demonstrates that oxygen vacancies migrate in lead zirconate titanate (PZT) films under a DC bias field and contribute to resistance degradation. Model PZT thin films were developed in which the concentration and distribution of oxygen vacancies were controlled via (a) changing the dopant type and concentration from 1%–4% Mn (acceptor) to 1%–4% Nb (donor) or (b) annealing undoped PZT films at varying partial pressures of PbO. The presence of associated (immobile) and dissociated (mobile) oxygen vacancies was distinguished by thermally stimulated depolarization current (TSDC) measurements. The impact of mobile oxygen vacancies on local defect chemistry and associated charge transport mechanisms was explored by electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS). For Mn‐doped PZT films, following resistance degradation, TSDC studies revealed only one depolarization peak with an activation energy of 0.6–0.8 eV; this peak was associated with ionic space charge presumably due to migration of oxygen vacancies. The magnitude of the depolarization current peak increased with increasing degradation times. A similar depolarization current peak attributed to the existence of mobile oxygen vacancies was also observed for undoped and Nb‐doped PZT films; the magnitude of this peak decreased as the Nb or PbO contents in PZT films increased. An additional TSDC peak associated with polaron hopping between Ti3+ and Ti4+ was found in both Nb‐doped PZT films and undoped PZT films annealed under low PbO partial pressure. Degraded Nb‐doped samples exhibited a chemical shift in the TiL2,3 peak to lower energy losses and the appearance of shoulders on the t2g and eg peaks, implying a reduction of Ti cations in regions near the cathode.

Depolarization Ratio Index (DRI) as alternative method in identifying oil-filled transformer internal faults

Dissolved gas analysis is the most common and well-established method used in identifying internal faults of power transformers. However, an onsite analysis using this method accuracy still need to be improved while the laboratories analysis process takes longer time. New alternative onsite and online method are most urgently need to be studied. Power transformer faults identification based on extended application of polarization and depolarization current (PDC) measurement data on oil sample from in-service power transformer was investigated in this research. The changes in the molecular properties of the insulating oil due to different fault conditions found had influenced the initial time response of the PDC measurement (from 0 to 100 s). In this research, the unique characteristic pattern of each condition was determined by a single unique numerical dimensionless quantity known as depolarization ratio index (DRI). DRI is used to express the changes of depolarization current shape with different fault conditions. The ratio of depolarization current between 5/100 and 10/100 s was found to have a better correlation at least more than 90% on the incipient fault in power transformer. Indeed, the DRI at 5/100 also was observed has higher accuracy especially on units with normal, overheating and arcing condition. In addition, a graphical representation of DRI value at 5/100 and 10/100 s was proposed for fault recognition in power transformer. Both DRI and graphical representation are well validated, and the proposed interpretation techniques have accuracy of more than 90% and able to identify and classify the normal, overheating and arcing condition of the in-service power transformer.

Studies of the effect of temperature on charge accumulation in PVDF-PMMA double-layered thin films based on depolarization current measurements

In this paper, we have reported the interpretation of air gap (Thermally Stimulated Depolarization Current) of surface charges in PVDF-PMMA (Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)–Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA)) double-layered polymer thin films whose decay could not be observed in metalized electrets with short-circuit TSDC. Since short-circuit TSDC is caused by the relaxations of homo- and hetero-charge flow in one direction and thus makes it difficult to identify, separate, and characterize its components, therefore, an air gap was introduced to the short-circuit TSDC technique to carry out air-gap TSDC. This technique enables one to observe the orientation of dipoles, excess charge decay by ohmic conduction, and decay of surface charge. When a dielectric is charged by an application of an external field, two charges with opposite polarity and different nature can be found. Air-gap TSDC’s of double-layer samples revealed the presence of homo charge; charges trapped at the surface are due to dissipation of space charges thus, the depolarization current is observed to have the same polarity as that of the polarization current. Hetero-charge persists at high temperatures due to the bulk polarization formed because of the electric field created by the homo-charge. Hence, the depolarization current observed in the present study was observed to be of opposite polarity as that of polarization current. The above discussed polymeric layered structure was found to be a source of charge trapping which was identified and confirmed by various calculated parameters.

Charging and Discharging Current Measurements and Impact of Polarization Dynamics on Electric Field Modeling in HVDC Paper-Insulated Cables

Accurate modeling and simulation of electric field transients in HVDC cables is an important support to optimize insulation system design and to evaluate the influence of voltage transients and steady-state conditions on accelerated ageing mechanisms and insulation reliability. Traditionally, field models considering time-independent permittivity and conductivity are used, but this approach neglects polarization mechanisms and charge trapping-detrapping phenomena. This article includes polarization dynamics in the field model and shows that its impact on transient electric field simulations in HVDC paper-insulated cables can be significant. A method is presented to infer the model parameters from experimental polarization and depolarization current measurements.

To the issue of the second harmonic generation in poled silicate glasses

Thermal relaxation of the second harmonic generation (SHG) observed in thermally poled soda-lime silicate glass is studied. At least two relaxation processes could be distinguished. Determined activation energy of the fastest SHG relaxation process is equal to about 0.5 eV. This SHG relaxation occurs at temperatures essentially below ones, at which the thermally stimulated depolarization current (TSDC) measurements show the relaxation of the spatial charge formed in thermal poling of the glasses. This confirms that SHG in poled glasses is not mostly conditioned by the “frozen” spatial charge and electric field of this charge.

Unveiling the high-temperature dielectric response of text {Bi}_{0.5}text {Na}_{0.5}text {TiO}_{3}

Understanding the physics behind changes in dielectric permittivity and mechanical response with temperature and frequency in lead-free ferroic materials is a fundamental key to achieve optimal properties and to guarantee good performance in the technological applications envisaged. In this work, dense text {Bi}_{0.5}text {Na}_{0.5}text {TiO}_{3} (BNT) electroceramics were prepared through solid-state reaction of high-grade oxide reagents, followed by sintering at high temperature (1393 K for 3 h). In good agreement with previous reports in the literature, the thermal behaviour of dielectric response from these BNT materials showed the occurrence of a high-temperature diffuse-like permittivity peak, whose origin has been so far controversial. Thermally stimulated depolarization current, impedance and mechanical spectroscopies measurements were here conducted, over a wide range of temperature and frequency, to get a deep insight into the mechanism behind of this event. The approach included considering both as-sintered and reduced BNT samples, from which it is demonstrated that the broad high-temperature dielectric peak originates from interfacial polarization involving oxygen vacancies-related space-charge effects that develop at the grain-to-grain contacts. This mechanism, that contributes to the anomalous behavior observed in the mechanical response at low frequencies, could also be responsible for the presence of ferroelastic domains up to high temperatures.

Investigations on the effect of ageing on charge de‐trapping processes of epoxy–alumina nanocomposites based on isothermal relaxation current measurements

In this study, the relationship between thermal ageing and charge trapping properties of epoxy-based nanocomposites has been investigated. With ageing, any dielectric material undergoes thorough degradation. This degradation significantly affects the space charge accumulation and charge trapping behaviour of the dielectric, which are very important parameters for insulation health under high-voltage direct current (HVDC) environment. In this work, an improved model based on the isothermal relaxation current (IRC) has been developed to study the charge trapping behaviour of pure epoxy and epoxy alumina (Al2 O3) nano-composites at different ageing conditions. A methodology based on polarisation–depolarisation current (PDC) measurements has been proposed to identify the current component due to a dipolar relaxation in measured total IRC. This will help to identify the trap distribution characteristics more accurately compared to conventional IRC measurements. It was experimentally observed that the addition of nanoparticles significantly reduces trapped charge formation and reduces thermal degradation. It is observed that aging leads to the generation of deeper traps, while the addition of Al2 O3 nanoparticles mainly enhances the density of shallow traps. Results presented in this work indicate that epoxy–alumina nanocomposites are very much suitable in HVDC applications from the perspective of trapped charge accumulation.

ANN based temperature compensation for variations in polarization and depolarization current measurements in transformer

Nowadays, more than a quarter of the faults that occur in oil-filled transformers are due to the aging and deterioration of their oil-paper insulation. Therefore, condition assessment of the oil-paper insulation of oil-filled transformers, which are installed in the power grids, is very important. One of the non-destructive methods, which are currently used to distinguish the insulation condition, is polarization and depolarization current (PDC) technique. Factors such as oil conductivity, paper conductivity, moisture content, temperature and insulation aging alter PDC test results. This paper proposes a method based on artificial neural network (ANN) integrated genetic algorithm to modify the effect of temperature variation in the results of PDC tests. For this purpose, PDC tests are performed on two different transformers at temperatures of 22 °C, 30 °C, 40 °C, 50 °C, 60 °C and 70 °C with the help of Megger-IDAX 300 device, which is capable of performing PDC tests up to 70 °C. To achieve the desired temperatures, the transformers are placed in the thermal furnace and with special thermal cables; the terminals of the devices are connected to the transformers inside the furnace. According to the results of depolarization current, which are measured at different temperatures, the parameters of the insulation model have been estimated by using genetic algorithm (GA). The insulation model parameters corresponding to 22 °C temperature in each transformer are selected as target parameters. Insulation model parameters related to higher temperatures are applied as inputs to the artificial neural network (ANN). This is done in order to train the ANN. The purpose of artificial neural network training is to transmit parameters related to higher temperatures on target parameters. Finally, with the help of the transferred model parameters, the polarization and depolarization current curves are drawn and transferred on the target curves (curves of 22 °C). The transfer error is calculated by the mean square error (MSE) index. Comparison of the proposed model results with the traditional method, which is based on the Arrhenius equation, in correcting the effect of temperature on the PDC test results, confirms the prediction accuracy of the proposed method.

Performance Assessment of Oil-Immersed Cellulose Insulator Materials Using Time–Domain Spectroscopy under Varying Temperature and Humidity Conditions

The measurement of polarization and depolarization currents (PDC) based on time–domain response is an effective method for state assessment of cellulose insulation material in oil-immersed electrical equipment. However, the versatility of the data obtained at different temperatures is limited because of the temperature dependence of the PDC. In this respect, the universal conversion of PDC data at different temperatures is an essential aspect to improve the accuracy of the determination of insulating properties of cellulose materials immersed in the oil. Thus, an innovative temperature conversion method based on polarization time-varying current (PTC, obtained by multiplying the polarization current and time) is proposed in this article. In the current work, the PTC data at different temperatures are obtained from the oil-immersed cellulose pressboards with different moisture. Afterwards, the functional model based on the power series theory is used to simulate the PTC data, through which the coefficients of the power series are found related to the test temperature of the PTC and the moisture content (mc%) of the oil-immersed cellulose pressboards. Furthermore, the functional relationship among moisture, test temperatures, and the feature parameter calculated by these coefficients is established. Thus, the PTC data at various temperatures can be calculated by the established function. The potential application ability of the proposed method is verified by comparing the calculated results with the measured results obtained from the various samples.

The Investigation of Insulation Performance Evaluation of the Large Electrical Rotating Machine in Frequency Domain

The insulation structure of winding in a large electrical rotating machine consists of epoxy resin and mica material. The insulation structure is composed of many junctions. The insulation problems generate different kinds of signals, such as electromagnetic waves, which may get released from the non-perfect characteristics of the enclosure. This signal may interfere with the functioning of other nearby electronic devices. Therefore, maintaining an excellent condition of the insulation system of the machine is very important. For a condition monitoring of this insulation as proposed in this research, it is taken into consideration the results of the polarization and depolarization current (PDC) measurement of the test sample, and the stator winding rated 13.8 kV was investigated. The experiments were conducted under different thermal stresses, i.e., 25°C (the room temperature) and 100°C (the operation temperature). The test samples were divided into three types: I. haft-overhang, II. overhang and III. full stator bar. From the PDC measurement data record, the complex capacitance and polarization losses (ion migration polarization, slow relaxation polarization and interfacial polarization) were calculated. It was found that the aging of the insulation related to the complex capacitance and polarization losses can be contributed for research in future wireless technology.

Polarization induced dielectric and electrical response of electrovector hydroxyapatite and ferroelectric sodium potassium niobate ceramics

The ability of hydroxyapatite (HA) to convert readily into an electret under low polarizing fields (⩽1 kV cm−1) makes it as an excellent substitute for electro-active prosthetic implants. In the present study, compacts of electrovector HA and ferroelectric Na0.5K0.5NbO3 (NKN) were developed via the spark plasma sintering route. The compacts were then polarized at various polarizing fields of 30, 50, and 90 kV cm−1, respectively, at 150 °C, for 1 h. Thereafter, samples were depolarized at heating rates of 1, 5, and 10 °C min−1, respectively. The thermally stimulated depolarization current (TSDC) measurement reveals that the charge density in HA increases from ∼0.2 nC cm−2 to ∼2 µC cm−2 with an increase in the polarizing field from 30 to 90 kV cm−1. The dielectric (ϵ), as well as the ac conductivity behaviour of unpolarized and polarized (90 kV cm−1) HA, are compared. The activation energy is measured to be in the range of 0.6–0.7 eV, which is mainly associated with proton (H+) migration. For NKN, TSDC spectra reveal a slight shift in the phase transition temperatures (TO−T, TC) towards higher temperatures, with an increase in the polarizing field (30–90 kV cm−1) as well as the heating rate. The dielectric and ac conductivity measurements suggest that the polarization of NKN slightly decreases TO−T and TC, as compared to its unpolarized counterpart. The conductivity in NKN is mainly attributed to the migration of oxygen vacancies and n-type charge carriers. Furthermore, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses suggest that the polarization of HA at such a high field (90 kV cm−1) does not alter its surface chemistry.

Dielectric characterisation of epoxy nanocomposite with barium titanate fillers

High permittivity materials are currently in use for mitigation of electrical stress in high-voltage apparatus and energy storage systems. In this work, epoxy-based high permittivity nanocomposites with Barium titanate (BaTiO3) nanofillers are considered, for the purpose of stress mitigation. Uniform dispersion of the fillers in the polymer up to 10% by volume is achieved. Apart from the use of as-received fillers, the effect of using surface-functionalised nanoparticles (with 3-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxy-silane) before use is also investigated. The nanocomposite is characterised in terms of its complex permittivity, DC conductivity, short-term AC breakdown strength and space charge accumulation, to gauge its suitability for use in high-voltage insulation. Complex permittivity is measured using broadband dielectric spectroscopy over a broad frequency range of 1 mHz to 1 MHz. DC conductivity is studied from polarisation–depolarisation current measurements. Short-term AC breakdown strength tests are performed at power frequency (50 Hz). Space charge density along the sample thickness is obtained using pulsed electro-acoustic technique. A computational case-study is presented to show the feasibility of using the high permittivity nanocomposite for electric stress control in high-voltage equipment (viz., at mounting flanges of 69 kV bushings).

Thermally stimulated relaxation and behaviors of oxygen vacancies in SrTiO3 single crystals with (100), (110) and (111) orientations

The strontium titanate (SrTiO3) single crystals with different orientations of (100), (110) and (111) were investigated using thermally stimulated depolarization current (TSDC) measurements, which has been proved to be an effective strategy to fundamentally study the relationship between relaxation phenomena and defect chemistry in dielectrics. The origins of different relaxations in SrTiO3 crystals were identified and the activation energy of oxygen vacancies was estimated from TSDC measurements. It was further found that oxygen-treated SrTiO3 crystals exhibit different relaxation behaviors. Noticeable changes of thermal relaxation associated with oxygen vacancies have taken place in relation to the crystalline anisotropy. The SrTiO3 (110) samples display higher concentration and activation energy of oxygen vacancies. First-principles calculations were carried out on SrTiO3 (110) crystals to study the effect of oxygen vacancy on different surface microstructure. From the resulting minimum formation energy of 0.63 eV, it demonstrates that the oxygen vacancies tend to form on the TiO-terminated surfaces. Considering the band structure, oxygen vacancies near the surface contribute to the transition of crystal from insulator to metallic characteristic.

Exploring the structural properties and enhancement of Opto-electrical investigations for the synthesized epoxy based polymers with local nanoscale structures

Epoxy networks of the diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA) were prepared using 4, 4′-diaminodiphenyl (44′DDS) and 3, 3′-diaminodiphenyl (33′DDS) sulfone diamines crosslinking hardeners. The structural, linear optical and mechanical properties of the investigated sample were analysed. Dynamic Mechanical Thermal Analysis and wide-angle x-ray diffraction were conducted to select a candidate presenting interesting thermo-mechanical properties and particular nanostructures embedded in an amorphous matrix. Our choice is therefore focused on DGEBA/33′DDS polymer for which, rocking curve measurements revealed the existence of two principal reflecting planes inclined to each other by about 0.27°. To highlight the potential effect of these interfaces, Thermally Stimulated Depolarization Current (TSDC) and Time Domain Spectroscopy measurements have been carried out. The application of the windowing polarization TSDC technique, in DGEBA/33′DDS polymer sample, gives an almost linear variation of the activation energies in the range between 3.65 and 4.09 eV. To our knowledge, this is the first study concerning epoxy polymers in which activation energies associated to ρ interfacial charge relaxations are calculated. To study the effect of the interfaces and trapped charge carriers, correlated by the angle x-ray diffraction measurements, the optical parameters were investigated. Our contribution will open a new avenue for developing the DGEBA/33′DDS polymer sustainable candidate in optoelectronic engineering applications.

Surface Modification of Fumed Silica by Plasma Polymerization of Acetylene for PP/POE Blends Dielectric Nanocomposites.

Novel nanocomposites for dielectric applications-based polypropylene/poly(ethylene-co-octene) (PP/POE) blends filled with nano silica are developed in the framework of the European ‘GRIDABLE’ project. A tailor-made low-pressure-plasma reactor was applied in this study for an organic surface modification of silica. Acetylene gas was used as the monomer for plasma polymerization in order to deposit a hydrocarbon layer onto the silica surface. The aim of this modification is to increase the compatibility between silica and the PP/POE blends matrix in order to improve the dispersion of the filler in the polymer matrix and to suppress the space charge accumulation by altering the charge trapping properties of these silica/PP/POE blends composites. The conditions for the deposition of the acetylene plasma-polymer onto the silica surface were optimized by analyzing the modification in terms of weight loss by thermogravimetry (TGA). X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (EDX) measurements confirmed the presence of hydrocarbon compounds on the silica surface after plasma modification. The acetylene plasma modified silica with the highest deposition level was selected to be incorporated into the PP/POE blends matrix. X-ray diffraction (XRD) showed that there is no new crystal phase formation in the PP/POE blends nanocomposites after addition of the acetylene plasma modified silica. Differential scanning calorimetry results (DSC) show two melting peaks and two crystallization peaks of the PP/POE blends nanocomposites corresponding to the PP and POE domains. The improved dispersion of the silica after acetylene plasma modification in the PP/POE blends matrix was shown by means of SEM–EDX mapping. Thermally stimulated depolarization current (TSDC) measurements confirm that addition of the acetylene plasma modified silica affects the charge trapping density and decreases the amount of injected charges into PP/POE blends nanocomposites. This work shows that acetylene plasma modification of the silica surface is a promising route to tune charge trapping properties of PP/POE blend-based nanocomposites.